Best Years for a Used Hyundai Kona

2023 hyundai kona 

If you are wondering about the Hyundai Kona best years and shopping for a used car in Saco, ME, the team at Hyundai of Saco can help. We have the pre-owned Hyundai inventory you're looking for, and with the Kona, you have a couple of generations to choose from. Whether you want something a few years old or want us to explore newer models on-site, this is the team to rely on. Stay with us as we explore the best used years of the iconic Hyundai Kona!

Key Takeaways

  • The best used years of the Hyundai Kona are 2022 and 2023
  • Newer models of the Kona offer better tech, safety, and comfort features
  • First-gen Konas are the cheapest options on the pre-owned market

Which Hyundai Kona Years Are Best to Buy Used?

If you want to shop the best used years of the Hyundai Kona in Saco, ME, you should stick to the 2022 or 2023 model. Because this era of the Kona brought significant improvements in driver ratings and enhanced tech and mechanics, the 2022-2023 Konas feel like a step up from earlier models. Hyundai is always improving its vehicles, especially as they enter the market, so the earlier Kona definitely had its quirks.

The 2022 model release cycle brought a brand refresh with better interior materials, updated screens, and refined build quality. Even more, the 2023 Hyundai Kona marked the end of the first generation, with 2024 kicking off the current and second generation of vehicles.

Comparing Hyundai Kona Generations and Updates

Before you go ahead and choose a used Hyundai Kona here at Hyundai of Saco, it's worth comparing the first and second generations of this four-door SUV. When the Kona debuted in 2018 in North America, it was an immediate hit because of its fun design, affordable price, and solid standard equipment/specs. Over the years, the Kona became sleeker, more tech-forward, and ready for the long and short road ahead, and it has remained a top favorite among longtime drivers. Below, we'll dive into the Hyundai Kona generations and updates to give you a better idea of what this vehicle offers by era.

Second Generation (2024-Current)

When looking at the Hyundai Kona best years, the second and current generation stands out as the most modern and tech-forward. Some of the standard features of the current generation (2024 to present) include:

2023 hyundai kona interior 

First Generation (2018-2023)

The first generation of the Hyundai Kona debuted and was sold in the United States. Some of the standard features in the first-gen Hyundai Kona include:

  • 7-inch touchscreen (upgraded to an 8-inch screen)
  • Wired Apple CarPlay and Andron2oid Auto
  • Single-row USB ports in the front console
  • Manual climate control air conditioning
  • Manually adjustable front seating

Reliability and Recall Checks by Model Year

It's worth mentioning the reliability and recall checks by model year when discussing a pre-owned Hyundai Kona. First, let's start with the J.D. Power reliability per model year:

  • 2018: 60/100 (predicted)
  • 2019: 82/100
  • 2020: 84/100
  • 2021: 80/100
  • 2022: 80/100
  • 2023: 82/100
  • 2024: 86/100
  • 2025: 84/100
  • 2026: 84/100

Note: Before the 2018 model hit roads across the country, it was expected to score 3 out of 5, or 60/100, for reliability. Hyundai achieved an above-average score of 82/100 in the first official year of testing.

Next, let's get into any recalls the Kona has had since debuting almost a decade ago. Here is some recent and important recall information:

  • Engine Piston Oil Rings (2019-2021 Models)
  • 12V Battery Cable Chafing (2024 Models)
  • Rear Center Seat Belt Buckle (2024-2026 Models)
  • Front Steering Knuckles (2026 Models)

Engine, Transmission, and Battery Considerations

Anytime you shop for a pre-owned car, truck, or SUV, evaluating the Hyundai Kona best years means being aware of engine, transmission, and battery health and integrity. Because the Hyundai Kona is in its second generation and has been on the road for almost 10 years, buying a used Kona might come with potential maintenance or replacements. The good news is that the Kona has had a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine since it debuted, with only minor issues and recalls to date. There was a recall on this model's steering and engine between the years of 2019 and 2026, but all have been resolved to this point. There was also a 2024 battery cable recall for select models. Again, always check active recalls for the model you're interested in, and go through a verified Hyundai dealer to ensure there aren't any hidden issues.

Verifying Completed Recall Repairs

When shopping for a pre-owned Hyundai Kona, even in its best years, we always recommend verifying completed recall repairs. Just because it is well beyond the recall period doesn't mean the previous owner had repairs or replacements done. Aim to find a dealership and team that has this information on hand and that personally inspects used inventory before selling it.

Can a Hyundai Kona Last 300,000 Miles?

It is not industry standard for a Hyundai Kona to run for 300,000 miles without major repairs or part replacements. That said, if you maintain it on time and drive it well, reaching 200,000 miles without major mechanical failure is doable. Our team at Hyundai of Saco always tries to prepare people for their car's upkeep, especially as it gets older or if they buy it used.

Balancing Price, Mileage, and Ownership Costs

Price, miles, and ownership costs for a used Hyundai Kona are worth exploring. Remember, a used vehicle will almost always cost less than a brand-new one. That is a fact. However, with a pre-owned Kona, for instance, things like part repairs and replacements can quickly eat up any upfront savings you had initially. This is always a risk when you buy something somebody else has owned and operated. The good news is that the Hyundai Kona has been a low-stress, low-maintenance model throughout its history.

A used Hyundai Kona costs about $460 to $530 per year in routine maintenance and minor repairs, with most owners reporting roughly $8,464 in maintenance and repairs during the first 10 years of service (including any repairs and part replacements).

Is a Hyundai Kona Worth Buying?

Yes! A Hyundai Kona is worth purchasing new or used. Of course, Hyundai of Saco has both new and used inventory right here in Saco, ME, and we're picky about our inventory to make sure our clients are always impressed. As we mentioned before, the 2022 and 2023 models are highly rated and loved in that first generation, and they're popular finds on the pre-owned market.

2023 hyundai kona back 

Used Hyundai Kona Buying Checklist

Used car shopping can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Here at Hyundai of Saco in Saco, ME, our dedicated professionals want to set you up for success. Some of the most important things you can do when buying used are to check service and repair history and the Carfax report on your Hyundai model, and have a pre-purchase inspection done before signing any papers. We believe an educated purchase is the only way to do this, and we're here to help out anytime you're ready to car hunt and buy.

Service History and Pre-Purchase Inspection

It goes without saying that you should review a car's service history, repairs, replacements, and recalls when shopping for the Hyundai Kona best years. A more hands-on option is a pre-purchase condition check, which gives you a full picture of the car you're interested in and any red flags to note.

Warranty Coverage and Test-Drive Checks

Hyundai has one of the industry's best warranties, and you could still get to enjoy it with a used Hyundai Kona! However, this does not apply to every Kona on the second-hand market. Shop our Certified Pre-Owned inventory to ensure the warranty period is intact, and stay on top of maintenance and repairs/replacements to keep your warranty in effect once you own your car. Hyundai of Saco is happy to explore warranty options and current options with you on-site here in Saco, ME, so don't wait to swing by and say hello.

Another step when vetting a used Hyundai Kona is to test drive it. Get behind the wheel, see how things feel, and note anything that doesn't feel right.

Find a Used Hyundai Kona at Hyundai of Saco

Here at Hyundai of Saco in Saco, ME, we're changing the way you shop for a new or used car, truck, or SUV. Some of the Hyundai Kona best years are in the used category, and we want you to find an SUV that fits your lifestyle, budget, and everyday needs. This has been a popular choice for many drivers in the new and pre-owned market, and you can ask our dedicated experts anything when it's time to browse. Drive safe, and we'll see you soon!

Used Hyundai Kona Inventory